Day 18: Proverbs Challenge

An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame. A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.